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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
 
| Wasn't sure how to exactly word this. I know most of you here are hard core 100% competitors, Saddle series, Award Series, WPRA Sanctioned, Jack Pots etc. But for those of you that kinda game for fun at Playday's, Gymkhanas, small point series/award series.
I only do playday's and small award/point series at the moment. I have two mares and have recently got them going decent even though its quite late in the year. That and I cannot exactly afford to spend 20/50 to enter a jack pot, or nomination fees etc for bigger deals and not have a good chance if winning my money back. I know its a gamble either way with small or big. My horses aren't ready for that kinda hard competition yet and I am totally fine with it. I just wanna get them hauled and out and about.
Is competition, competition where ever you find it? What I am meaning is. Down here we have people who know they can win, have automatic horses who can definitely run with the big boys and girls and pull of a win. But they decide to come to these small playday's(which is basically a gymkhana??) small award and point series. Where there is literally maybe a high of 50 people turn out and most are kids or adults who are just starting out. But they bring their finished horses who can run with the big crowd and come in and beat everyone...
Now PLEASE don't think I am a sore loser or stuck up I am all for the fun etc. I'm proud of my girls either way. I was trying to word this the best as to not be so rude or stuck up sounding. I know it doesn't really matter either way, I supposes. But I was just wondering if it kinda bugged any other small gamers when bigger players come in and knowingly know they can beat everyone.
Edited by RacingTheArabian 2015-11-30 7:42 PM
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  Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
 
Location: CTX | Nope, wouldn't bother me one bit. We regularly get big wigs on our small jackpots.... NFR qualifiers, American qualifiers... Big futurity jockeys....
I run against myself every race, try to do better every run....
And guess what.... they can have an off day, they can hit a barrel and be out of it....
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
| cranky B4 10am - 2015-11-30 7:45 PM
Nope, wouldn't bother me one bit. We regularly get big wigs on our small jackpots.... NFR qualifiers, American qualifiers... Big futurity jockeys....
I run against myself every race, try to do better every run....
And guess what.... they can have an off day, they can hit a barrel and be out of it....
I never really thought of it as running against myself! That's actually a really good way of thinking about it. |
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 Toastest with the Mostest
Posts: 5712
Location: That part of Texas | I can see how it would be disheartening, especially when you are starting out and those small wins mean so much. Bad news = you're getting trounced and it's not as fun. Good news = if you do beat them by chance, you've done something pretty cool and to possibly brag about. Additionally, by competing against them, you'll know when you have a good enough horse to move on to some of those bigger rodeos and win back some money because you'll be in the competition. Until then, keep your chin up and keep working towards your best run. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 456
Location: SW MO | RacingTheArabian - 2015-11-30 7:40 PM
Wasn't sure how to exactly word this. I know most of you here are hard core 100% competitors, Saddle series, Award Series, WPRA Sanctioned, Jack Pots etc. But for those of you that kinda game for fun at Playday's, Gymkhanas, small point series/award series.
I only do playday's and small award/point series at the moment. I have two mares and have recently got them going decent even though its quite late in the year. That and I cannot exactly afford to spend 20/50 to enter a jack pot, or nomination fees etc for bigger deals and not have a good chance if winning my money back. I know its a gamble either way with small or big. My horses aren't ready for that kinda hard competition yet and I am totally fine with it. I just wanna get them hauled and out and about.
Is competition, competition where ever you find it? What I am meaning is. Down here we have people who know they can win, have automatic horses who can definitely run with the big boys and girls and pull of a win. But they decide to come to these small playday's(which is basically a gymkhana??) small award and point series. Where there is literally maybe a high of 50 people turn out and most are kids or adults who are just starting out. But they bring their finished horses who can run with the big crowd and come in and beat everyone...
Now PLEASE don't think I am a sore loser or stuck up I am all for the fun etc. I'm proud of my girls either way. I was trying to word this the best as to not be so rude or stuck up sounding. I know it doesn't really matter either way, I supposes. But I was just wondering if it kinda bugged any other small gamers when bigger players come in and knowingly know they can beat everyone.
When I was first starting barrel racing I went to probably 5 showdeos and then my mom put me in the junior rodeo circuit that was booming at the time. I was in no way ready and neither was my horse, but when I placed I was over the moon. It wasnt much fun at the time and yes it could be really discouraging. HOWEVER I am so so glad I did it because it made me want to get better- it gave me a goal. Sure sometimes it could bug me. But now I see the "big girls" and I'm always at the fence to watch and to learn. I see them and sometimes yes I may be "bugged" but I view them as what I want to be- what my goal is. Good topic to bring up OP! |
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 Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | My niece spends three weeks with us each summer and loves riding. Her goal this year was to enter a race, so she worked very hard and I brought her to a fun show/playday. I'm not at all familar with the scene and was so thankful that my friend was there to help me out. However, I was grateful to have somewhere for her to go and have fun in multiple events. She had an absolute blast!
My friend did enter her open horse that was coming back from an injury.
I thought it might be somewhere to take my colt so as not to be too embarrassed.
But, other than those circumstances, I can see where it would be uncouth to run an open horse, especially if it happened enough to change the atmosphere of the event (fun family night to competitive jackpot barrel race.)
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | Not at all as i feel you are only.as good as the people you are competing against....m |
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 Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | mruggles - 2015-11-30 9:03 PM Not at all as i feel you are only.as good as the people you are competing against....m
^^^^ THIS.......you really are only as good as your competition........It gives you a goal to succeed.....And the victory is much sweeter when you do..... |
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I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | I see this from a lot of different angles. As a kid who is out there trying to do the best you can with what you have, it can be disheartening to have someone come in and blow your doors off. The thing about it is though... that's life. There will always be people that have more than you do. Those people may just come to the local game show and have fun and have no interest in going to anything bigger. That is their choice. I also feel that situations such as this teach us a lot about who we are as individuals. If you just want to go have fun and do your best and feel as though you are doing well and progressing, that should be reward enough. If you're the sort of person who wants to be the best, let it light a fire underneath of you to work just that much harder to become the best rider and trainer that you possibly can. Develop the horses that you do have to their utmost potential. That may mean that when they're as good as they can be, you sell them to someone else to learn the ropes on, take that money, buy yourself a horse that has the potential to be better and you start the process all over again. This time though, you'll have those tools that you acquired in training those first horses to aid you in making the next one even better. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
| I've got a mare who I totally think has potential to go far in the barrel pen. My other one is just for fun, but she'll be a competitor too, just not as good as my other mare. If I can get my good mare to show the speed she can pull off out of the arena, in the arena and around the cans I think i'd have myself a barrel horse. But the trick is getting her to realize she CAN run inside the pen lol.
Edited by RacingTheArabian 2015-11-30 9:29 PM
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8555
Location: sunny california | when I was a kid I had a very fast pony that could run with the fast horses. I did not ride agains the kids at the playdays. I ran with the adults so the little kids could have a chance. I agree with the OP. i have taken finished horses to playdays and made them go slow, to settle them a little. lets face it the ground is usually terrible, why tear up a good horse for a playday? sometimes I have brought a young one. for atmosphere. please have some respect for your ability and your riding level and at least ride against people that are close to your level.
I would not expect 1st grader to keep up in Math Analysis.
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Nope don't feel that way
You are only as good as your competition, if the pro horses come, you can either learn something from observing them, and you will pull your socks up to do better then before.
Secondly, I believe having the pro horses show up is humbling, teaches people to be a good looser. |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | WrapSnap - 2015-11-30 9:12 PM I see this from a lot of different angles. As a kid who is out there trying to do the best you can with what you have, it can be disheartening to have someone come in and blow your doors off. The thing about it is though... that's life. There will always be people that have more than you do. Those people may just come to the local game show and have fun and have no interest in going to anything bigger. That is their choice. I also feel that situations such as this teach us a lot about who we are as individuals. If you just want to go have fun and do your best and feel as though you are doing well and progressing, that should be reward enough. If you're the sort of person who wants to be the best, let it light a fire underneath of you to work just that much harder to become the best rider and trainer that you possibly can. Develop the horses that you do have to their utmost potential. That may mean that when they're as good as they can be, you sell them to someone else to learn the ropes on, take that money, buy yourself a horse that has the potential to be better and you start the process all over again. This time though, you'll have those tools that you acquired in training those first horses to aid you in making the next one even better.
 This.....
If someone's outrunning you and you know you can do better.....then get to work. Life isn't fair - a fair is where they show cows. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
| MS2011 - 2015-11-30 9:48 PM
WrapSnap - 2015-11-30 9:12 PM I see this from a lot of different angles. As a kid who is out there trying to do the best you can with what you have, it can be disheartening to have someone come in and blow your doors off. The thing about it is though... that's life. There will always be people that have more than you do. Those people may just come to the local game show and have fun and have no interest in going to anything bigger. That is their choice. I also feel that situations such as this teach us a lot about who we are as individuals. If you just want to go have fun and do your best and feel as though you are doing well and progressing, that should be reward enough. If you're the sort of person who wants to be the best, let it light a fire underneath of you to work just that much harder to become the best rider and trainer that you possibly can. Develop the horses that you do have to their utmost potential. That may mean that when they're as good as they can be, you sell them to someone else to learn the ropes on, take that money, buy yourself a horse that has the potential to be better and you start the process all over again. This time though, you'll have those tools that you acquired in training those first horses to aid you in making the next one even better.
This..... If someone's outrunning you and you know you can do better.....then get to work. Life isn't fair - a fair is where they show cows.
Omg I love that xD! 'A Fair is where they show cows.'. I know in time I will beat people. I haven't done to bad so far. So thank you :). |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1062
Location: Probably On the Road to the Next Barrel Race! | when I am put in the position of running good horses at playdays, because we need a confidence run or whatever, I exhibition. I think it's tacky to come in and take the gamer's prizes. Why would you want t o do that when you can just exhibition? So yeah, it bugs me...I was a playdayer once, and appreciate that kind of thinking. |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| No it wouldnt bother me... we have a similar organization up here in MN but its a pretty big deal (WSCA)... many barrel racers also compete at these game shows. We have actual fun shows here too which are much lower caliber. WSCA shows are playday events, many have a jp barrel class with added money. And there is a big year end show many qualify for. I prefer these shows over barrel races because I like the other events. I do a few bigger barrel races a year but I mainly enjoy these WSCA shows. I get to do a few different events and still run barrels w/chance to pickup a check, they are inexpensive and my niece can go and compete in the pony class.
I would say my gelding is a 2D horse on a good day, 3D on an average day against tough competition. I have friends who show WSCA who have solid 1D horses. Just because someone has a good horse, doesnt mean they shouldnt do what they enjoy. I enjoy the playday shows for my reasons I listed above, just doing barrel races and rodeo isnt for everyone. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| kwanatha - 2015-11-30 9:28 PM
when I was a kid I had a very fast pony that could run with the fast horses. I did not ride agains the kids at the playdays. I ran with the adults so the little kids could have a chance. I agree with the OP. i have taken finished horses to playdays and made them go slow, to settle them a little. lets face it the ground is usually terrible, why tear up a good horse for a playday? sometimes I have brought a young one. for atmosphere. please have some respect for your ability and your riding level and at least ride against people that are close to your level.
I would not expect 1st grader to keep up in Math Analysis.
I so agree with kwantha. When I was good, I never WANTED to go the playdays and small shows. It didn't mean much to me when I won if I was at one of those shows. I would rather place running with the big dogs than win against less competition. That being said, I have seen a girl that only ran at those shows and if you showed up and weren't on your game, she would durn sure beat you. She and her horse KNEW that pattern and were hard to beat. She loved it when the tougher girls showed up and she beat them or ran right with them. I kinda pulled for her.
Now, though, I am not competitive at any level. I am working on it, though.  |
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | We have a little gymkhana series in the summers. It is the only series we consistently have here. Every now and then We get an actual jackpot. But other then that, I have to travel at least a couple hours to make a run. So I enjoy the practice that the local play days give me. I "won" this past summer. Got my first buckle ever. My mare and I can run mid 17's when we get it right. But that's not typical. Lol. But I am proud to have competed with the people that I did. Everyone has good runs and bad runs and I am just as likely to knock a barrel as the next person. We all just do the best we can. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 695
Location: Windoming | Yeah, it always amazes me that you have to have a $50,000 horse to win a $15 jackpot................................Personally, I wouldn't run a horse of that caliber, but people do it here all the time. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | CrossCreek - 2015-11-30 10:49 PM
when I am put in the position of running good horses at playdays, because we need a confidence run or whatever, I exhibition. I think it's tacky to come in and take the gamer's prizes. Why would you want t o do that when you can just exhibition? So yeah, it bugs me...I was a playdayer once, and appreciate that kind of thinking.
I think along these lines. I don't understand why some finished barrel racer is going to a playday when exhibitions at jackpots/4D's are available. If I needed to make a practice run on my horse or a horse in training I would seek out those avenues. I wouldn't feel right about coming in on my seasoned barrel horse and doing that to a group of people who are enjoying a different type of horse activity. Of course there's the possiblity they could kick my butt! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| Silly Filly - 2015-12-01 10:19 AM
Yeah, it always amazes me that you have to have a $50,000 horse to win a $15 jackpot................................Personally, I wouldn't run a horse of that caliber, but people do it here all the time.
^^^ I totally agree with this. When I see someone outrunning everyone by 6-7 tenths at a 40-50 person jackpot all I can think is WHYYYYYYY???? This is the only thought that comes to my head....
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I know some of the playdays have a membership due you have to pay to qualify for the awards, do these runners pay their dues? If not then they are running as a guest and dont get the points at the shows. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 477
Location: Lost in the swamps | kboltwkreations - 2015-12-01 10:30 AM
Silly Filly - 2015-12-01 10:19 AM
Yeah, it always amazes me that you have to have a $50,000 horse to win a $15 jackpot................................Personally, I wouldn't run a horse of that caliber, but people do it here all the time.
^^^ I totally agree with this. When I see someone outrunning everyone by 6-7 tenths at a 40-50 person jackpot all I can think is WHYYYYYYY???? This is the only thought that comes to my head....
^This exactly!!! This ticks me more than seeing someone with a high caliber horse showing up and blowin everyone out the water.
It's when they do it at a 20 dollar jackpot.
You only get so many runs. Do it where it counts. Unless your schooling.... |
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Expert
Posts: 1343
Location: East Texas | When our grandson (who we raise) was 7, we went to sign him up to play baseball. The 7-8 year old teams were full, so they said we could move him up to the 9-10 year olds. We really didn't want to do it, but he really wanted to play, so we explained to him that the other boys were older and had played longer and tried to encourage him to not get discouraged. He learned so much and the next year, at 8, he continued to play with the older team and by the middle of that year, he was as good if not better than some of the older ones. He watched how the more experienced players played, and tried to do the same. I am sure it can be a little discouraging when they come in and blow everybody's socks off, but when they do, learn from them and I can promise you will be a better rider and your horse a better competitor. Make it a positive, not a negative!! Good luck!! |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ??? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | stayceem - 2015-12-01 11:31 AM
I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ???
She asked a question and people gave their opinions. Same as being able to decide where you pay your entry fees or run your horse I guess. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| ampratt - 2015-12-01 11:36 AM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 11:31 AM
I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ???
She asked a question and people gave their opinions. Same as being able to decide where you pay your entry fees or run your horse I guess.
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 486
Location: CentralTexas | Not at all! I love seeing where my horses stand next to the pros...it just makes me try harder! |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I understrand how the OP feels, I was that person once many many years ago, so I think she has the right. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
| I really love all the opinions on here about this.
I really don't care who wins or loses or if I do. I know my horses aren't ready for the big dogs and thats the only reason I go to the playdays and small things right now, but I plan to next year after getting then ridden and going super well to *hopefully* enter up and start running seriously. The only thing that got to me was how more then a few people who run NBHA, jackpots etc. Would come to these little playdays and blow everyone out of the water. But as others have said it is their right, if they are paying the fee to enter then they have ever right to be there. I just don't understand when you have a horse you know could win. Why would you bring them to a dinky playday or whatever?? If you've got a horse that wins and can run. Its not exactly promoting them or doing them justice bringing the to small things, when you could prove them else where running with the big dogs.
A friend of mine used to bring her daughter to playdays and stuff. But once she got in touch with Tana Poppino at a clinic earlier this year. Tana told her it seriously wasn't doing the horse or her daughter any justice and if she wanted to rodeo and play with the big dogs, to actually run with them and not do smaller events. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| GLP - 2015-12-01 11:38 AM
ampratt - 2015-12-01 11:36 AM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 11:31 AM
I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ???
She asked a question and people gave their opinions. Same as being able to decide where you pay your entry fees or run your horse I guess.
I just dont understand it I guess. I guess I understand people not enjoying being beat but I also dont think its "unfair" for people to enter a good horse at a more local, smaller event. But I guess I was one of them that people werent always nice to due to the horses they rode. I had the privledge of riding nice horses... ones who won big big races (they get all the credit for our success). However, I showed at a lot of smaller events because I liked to. I also did the bigger shows too (NBHA state finals and barrel bashes) but I enjoyed the local races and local fun shows. The atmopshere is different but people were sometimes unkindly competitive. I was always ridiculed for riding at those events and people did/said horrible things. I did it because I loved those types of events, not because I wanted to whoop it up at a smaller show.
I just dont understand why it bothers you/anyone... and maybe the "playday" circuit here is much different because it is a pretty hot organization where there are a lot of crossovers from barrels races to these events (lot of the same people do both up here). I love being challenged at races/events. Some of my favorite days have been when I have brought home lower placings but I also competed against a nice field of horses. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| RacingTheArabian - 2015-12-01 12:27 PM
I really love all the opinions on here about this.
I really don't care who wins or loses or if I do. I know my horses aren't ready for the big dogs and thats the only reason I go to the playdays and small things right now, but I plan to next year after getting then ridden and going super well to *hopefully* enter up and start running seriously. The only thing that got to me was how more then a few people who run NBHA, jackpots etc. Would come to these little playdays and blow everyone out of the water. But as others have said it is their right, if they are paying the fee to enter then they have ever right to be there. I just don't understand when you have a horse you know could win. Why would you bring them to a dinky playday or whatever?? If you've got a horse that wins and can run. Its not exactly promoting them or doing them justice bringing the to small things, when you could prove them else where running with the big dogs.
A friend of mine used to bring her daughter to playdays and stuff. But once she got in touch with Tana Poppino at a clinic earlier this year. Tana told her it seriously wasn't doing the horse or her daughter any justice and if she wanted to rodeo and play with the big dogs, to actually run with them and not do smaller events.
I guess I would say that everyone has their own goals... I had a few nice 1D mares growing up (again I give them all the credit, I was simply a passenger)... but I love the playdays because they have other events. I also like the entry fees especially when I was struggling through college, yes I could pull a check at a big barrel race and often did BUT... always the chance, I'd be just out of the money or tip or whatever. I just like the low-key, stress free, fun atmopshere. I get tired of just doing barrels... Another reason is my niece loves to ride and the playdays are a great place for her to get started. She is only trotting/loping and gets whooped around the block by some of the kids but she might get a ribbon which is exciting for her. Playdays are more family oriented.
So again, it depends on your goals. To me I show/compete/barrel race because I love to do it. Nothing better in the world than spending the day/weekend with your best bud and just going... I dont intend on selling a horse so going to all the BIG stuff to prove my horse isnt that important to me. I know what he's worth, just as I knew what those horses I rode as a kid were worth. And I also do some of the bigger stuff which proves their "D" or their value in that type of setup. I also worked every other weekend for a long time and it was easier to find a playday and commit to that then a big race.
I guess my point is that there are a lot of reasons someone may go to the playdays... sometimes they just wanna have fun!! Doesnt matter what arena, money added, etc. But I should add our playday circuit shows are held at a lot of the same arenas or barrel races are held at so the ground is good and its usually a set pattern so even if you're at a playday, you can usually still decipher if you're running a 1D/2D/3D/4D time. |
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 Regular
Posts: 74
Location: North Pole | I will enter a good horse at a local play day every once in a VERY great while. The reason for doing it is usually because I'm working out some kink, a colt that I just need to put against a timer, etc.
Where I live, I drive three hours OR MORE - one way - to go to races. If I'm hauling that far, I'm not going to just do exhibitions or to burn cash.
When I DO go to a play day, I only enter barrels - I don't do all the games. So even if my horse DOES blow the doors off, it's only one event. Everybody has to lose sometimes....
I actually entered my good gelding at a play day a few months ago and I got a LOT of "why are you here?"s. My gelding had been having some second barrel issues, got vetted, got cleared, and I wanted to lope him through and show him that his stifles didn't hurt anymore. I LOPED him through and got third I think, and people were still ****ed. You're never going to make everybody happy, so you might as well do what you feel is right for you and your horse; even if that means entering a play day once a year if you have to. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
| BHW_SECRET_SANTA - 2015-12-01 12:47 PM
I will enter a good horse at a local play day every once in a VERY great while. The reason for doing it is usually because I'm working out some kink, a colt that I just need to put against a timer, etc.
Where I live, I drive three hours OR MORE - one way - to go to races. If I'm hauling that far, I'm not going to just do exhibitions or to burn cash.
When I DO go to a play day, I only enter barrels - I don't do all the games. So even if my horse DOES blow the doors off, it's only one event. Everybody has to lose sometimes....
I actually entered my good gelding at a play day a few months ago and I got a LOT of "why are you here?"s. My gelding had been having some second barrel issues, got vetted, got cleared, and I wanted to lope him through and show him that his stifles didn't hurt anymore. I LOPED him through and got third I think, and people were still ****ed. You're never going to make everybody happy, so you might as well do what you feel is right for you and your horse; even if that means entering a play day once a year if you have to.
I respect this. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | stayceem - 2015-12-01 12:34 PM
GLP - 2015-12-01 11:38 AM
ampratt - 2015-12-01 11:36 AM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 11:31 AM
I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ???
She asked a question and people gave their opinions. Same as being able to decide where you pay your entry fees or run your horse I guess.
I just dont understand it I guess. I guess I understand people not enjoying being beat but I also dont think its "unfair" for people to enter a good horse at a more local, smaller event. But I guess I was one of them that people werent always nice to due to the horses they rode. I had the privledge of riding nice horses... ones who won big big races (they get all the credit for our success ). However, I showed at a lot of smaller events because I liked to. I also did the bigger shows too (NBHA state finals and barrel bashes ) but I enjoyed the local races and local fun shows. The atmopshere is different but people were sometimes unkindly competitive. I was always ridiculed for riding at those events and people did/said horrible things. I did it because I loved those types of events, not because I wanted to whoop it up at a smaller show.
I just dont understand why it bothers you/anyone... and maybe the "playday" circuit here is much different because it is a pretty hot organization where there are a lot of crossovers from barrels races to these events (lot of the same people do both up here ). I love being challenged at races/events. Some of my favorite days have been when I have brought home lower placings but I also competed against a nice field of horses.
Personally, I think you are reading to much into people's opinions. The OP asked if it bugged anyone, some said no, some said yes. No big deal really. People can run where ever they like, that's the beauty of it. Go run and have fun. Not everyone is going to feel the same way about anything, It doesn't mean either one is right. |
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 I don't want to screw up!
Posts: 3881
Location: North Dakota -> Colorado | I guess I always look at it in the sense of a comparison mostly. I compete against myself and where I have come from, but I also like the comparison to tell me where I'm at and where I need to go. I started off in the small youth rodeos, and 4-H circuits. A lot of those kids grew up to be strong competitiors and I (*like*) to think that I'm getting there or are there as well. When I was a kid in those youth rodeos, I was sometimes dishearted because they were running bigger, stronger, more finished horses than I had available to me (or so I thought). However, when I finally placed or finally won the state 4-H championship in my age division, I was OVER THE MOON ecstatic. I then moved to Jr. High, and High School Rodeo. Again, at the times, I didn't have to the horse or the skills (I finally realized that it was ME) to be consistently in the top. During my Jr. High and High School years, I was running against girls on horses (both had the skills) to be placing consistently in the top at nationals, and winning our State's Rodeo Association Finals at very young ages. Sure, I was jealous of the horses they were mounted on. BUT, I worked my tail off to get my riding skills up to par. I rode other people's horses, I rode with some top futurity and rodeo competitors in the area who so kindly shared their wisdom with me ( I will forever be grateful to ALL of them). In fact, in the past year or so I extended my skills to ride under a reining trainer (and boy, did that teach me A LOT). I was a lot weaker than I thought and wasn't cueing as correctly, exactly, and precisely as I should have been so as to convey my message to the horses on which I was mounted. I had a small little mare throughout the youth rodeo - part of HS rodeo. She wasn't anything special, but she was gritty (retired due to arthritis now). She won me quite a bit through youth rodeo, and NBHA. Throughout HS, I ran a plethora of horses, most of which weren't my own, I was just lucky enough to have great friends and mentors. I learned my riding style, and what I mostly fit with. Now, in college, I have a solid solid mare, who I believe will take me to my potential at this level. She is right in there within my region against tough tough horses that are solid in both the college and the pro circuit as well. Everything has been a driving force, and a step up within the industry. I'd rather compete against some big dogs, that show me where I need to get to to be successful in my mind. ETA: I will NOT run my good horse just at small things, I save her for the races that actually mean something and where I'm running against atleast 100 people (my philosophy has changed and evolved over time) 100 people is pretty big for around here.
Edited by TurnNBurn-3Barrels 2015-12-01 1:51 PM
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | isn't it a race?
you are racing against others.... what's the point if you're pi$$y that someone has a "better" horse over yours?
ETA This wasn't directed at the OP, more at those that are seemingly very irked over who enters where
Edited by Crowned Image 2015-12-01 1:08 PM
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | Every run you do today, is one off the end. If you had a good horse, why would you waste a run at a game show? I would never go unless it had a rare decent added money. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| ampratt - 2015-12-01 12:58 PM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 12:34 PM
GLP - 2015-12-01 11:38 AM
ampratt - 2015-12-01 11:36 AM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 11:31 AM
I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ???
She asked a question and people gave their opinions. Same as being able to decide where you pay your entry fees or run your horse I guess.
I just dont understand it I guess. I guess I understand people not enjoying being beat but I also dont think its "unfair" for people to enter a good horse at a more local, smaller event. But I guess I was one of them that people werent always nice to due to the horses they rode. I had the privledge of riding nice horses... ones who won big big races (they get all the credit for our success ). However, I showed at a lot of smaller events because I liked to. I also did the bigger shows too (NBHA state finals and barrel bashes ) but I enjoyed the local races and local fun shows. The atmopshere is different but people were sometimes unkindly competitive. I was always ridiculed for riding at those events and people did/said horrible things. I did it because I loved those types of events, not because I wanted to whoop it up at a smaller show.
I just dont understand why it bothers you/anyone... and maybe the "playday" circuit here is much different because it is a pretty hot organization where there are a lot of crossovers from barrels races to these events (lot of the same people do both up here ). I love being challenged at races/events. Some of my favorite days have been when I have brought home lower placings but I also competed against a nice field of horses.
Personally, I think you are reading to much into people's opinions. The OP asked if it bugged anyone, some said no, some said yes. No big deal really. People can run where ever they like, that's the beauty of it. Go run and have fun. Not everyone is going to feel the same way about anything, It doesn't mean either one is right.
I can respect others opinion but I guess I find the fact that it "bugs you" to run against tougher competition kinda childish (my opinion) and I cant grasp it in my brain because I dont understand it. I like competition. Always have no matter if I was at the top or at the bottom. I also gave the reasons why someone would choose to run at game shows/playdays. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | stayceem - 2015-12-01 2:00 PM
ampratt - 2015-12-01 12:58 PM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 12:34 PM
GLP - 2015-12-01 11:38 AM
ampratt - 2015-12-01 11:36 AM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 11:31 AM
I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ???
She asked a question and people gave their opinions. Same as being able to decide where you pay your entry fees or run your horse I guess.
I just dont understand it I guess. I guess I understand people not enjoying being beat but I also dont think its "unfair" for people to enter a good horse at a more local, smaller event. But I guess I was one of them that people werent always nice to due to the horses they rode. I had the privledge of riding nice horses... ones who won big big races (they get all the credit for our success ). However, I showed at a lot of smaller events because I liked to. I also did the bigger shows too (NBHA state finals and barrel bashes ) but I enjoyed the local races and local fun shows. The atmopshere is different but people were sometimes unkindly competitive. I was always ridiculed for riding at those events and people did/said horrible things. I did it because I loved those types of events, not because I wanted to whoop it up at a smaller show.
I just dont understand why it bothers you/anyone... and maybe the "playday" circuit here is much different because it is a pretty hot organization where there are a lot of crossovers from barrels races to these events (lot of the same people do both up here ). I love being challenged at races/events. Some of my favorite days have been when I have brought home lower placings but I also competed against a nice field of horses.
Personally, I think you are reading to much into people's opinions. The OP asked if it bugged anyone, some said no, some said yes. No big deal really. People can run where ever they like, that's the beauty of it. Go run and have fun. Not everyone is going to feel the same way about anything, It doesn't mean either one is right.
I can respect others opinion but I guess I find the fact that it "bugs you" to run against tougher competition kinda childish (my opinion ) and I cant grasp it in my brain because I dont understand it. I like competition. Always have no matter if I was at the top or at the bottom. I also gave the reasons why someone would choose to run at game shows/playdays.
I am done here. I never ever attacked you in the least and apparently you CAN'T respect my opinion if you are insulting me for having one. Frankly, I could care less who runs where. The OP asked a question, I gave my opinion, end of story. For what it's worth. I never ever said it bugs me to run againsst tougher competition, go back and read my original response to be clear on what I DID say.
Edited by ampratt 2015-12-01 2:19 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | ampratt - 2015-12-01 10:26 AM
CrossCreek - 2015-11-30 10:49 PM
when I am put in the position of running good horses at playdays, because we need a confidence run or whatever, I exhibition. I think it's tacky to come in and take the gamer's prizes. Why would you want t o do that when you can just exhibition? So yeah, it bugs me...I was a playdayer once, and appreciate that kind of thinking.
I think along these lines. I don't understand why some finished barrel racer is going to a playday when exhibitions at jackpots/4D's are available. If I needed to make a practice run on my horse or a horse in training I would seek out those avenues. I wouldn't feel right about coming in on my seasoned barrel horse and doing that to a group of people who are enjoying a different type of horse activity. Of course there's the possiblity they could kick my butt!
THIS was my original response. No where did it state it bugged me to run against tougher competition. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| ampratt - 2015-12-01 2:10 PM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 2:00 PM
ampratt - 2015-12-01 12:58 PM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 12:34 PM
GLP - 2015-12-01 11:38 AM
ampratt - 2015-12-01 11:36 AM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 11:31 AM
I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ???
She asked a question and people gave their opinions. Same as being able to decide where you pay your entry fees or run your horse I guess.
I just dont understand it I guess. I guess I understand people not enjoying being beat but I also dont think its "unfair" for people to enter a good horse at a more local, smaller event. But I guess I was one of them that people werent always nice to due to the horses they rode. I had the privledge of riding nice horses... ones who won big big races (they get all the credit for our success ). However, I showed at a lot of smaller events because I liked to. I also did the bigger shows too (NBHA state finals and barrel bashes ) but I enjoyed the local races and local fun shows. The atmopshere is different but people were sometimes unkindly competitive. I was always ridiculed for riding at those events and people did/said horrible things. I did it because I loved those types of events, not because I wanted to whoop it up at a smaller show.
I just dont understand why it bothers you/anyone... and maybe the "playday" circuit here is much different because it is a pretty hot organization where there are a lot of crossovers from barrels races to these events (lot of the same people do both up here ). I love being challenged at races/events. Some of my favorite days have been when I have brought home lower placings but I also competed against a nice field of horses.
Personally, I think you are reading to much into people's opinions. The OP asked if it bugged anyone, some said no, some said yes. No big deal really. People can run where ever they like, that's the beauty of it. Go run and have fun. Not everyone is going to feel the same way about anything, It doesn't mean either one is right.
I can respect others opinion but I guess I find the fact that it "bugs you" to run against tougher competition kinda childish (my opinion ) and I cant grasp it in my brain because I dont understand it. I like competition. Always have no matter if I was at the top or at the bottom. I also gave the reasons why someone would choose to run at game shows/playdays.
I am done here. I was never ever attacked you in the least and apparently you CAN'T respect my opinion if you are insulting me for having one. Frankly, I could care less who runs where. The OP asked a question, I gave my opinion, end of story. For what it's worth. I never ever said it bugs me to run againsst tougher competition, go back and read my original response to be clear on what I DID say.
Well you responded directly to my opinion... I never did yours. I was referring the comments as a "whole" because I dont understand that type of attitude. You said in your post that you wouldnt bring in your seasoned horse because you may kick their butt or they could kick yours... I dont think I know anyone who targets playdays just so they can win someone else prize. There are multiple reasons someone may compete at a playday.
ETA Moral of my story... I guess I dont see why people care so much what others do. I guess thats my point.
Edited by stayceem 2015-12-01 2:25 PM
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| personally and you all know i can not ride anymore but i would be doing the playday or our federation show as i like variation arena texas and i like the
laid back atsmohphere i hate just the barrel shows
just me
and before i got hurt we had some nice horses |
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 Ms. Marine
Posts: 4641
Location: Texas | It really doesn't bother me. I know that I can always learn something from someone, and by those people entering in small playdays, etc, I would view it as a chance to watch what they are doing and possibly learn something from them too. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| stayceem - 2015-12-01 12:34 PM
GLP - 2015-12-01 11:38 AM
ampratt - 2015-12-01 11:36 AM
stayceem - 2015-12-01 11:31 AM
I dont get why people care so much about where someone enters their horse?!?! They pay the entry fees and pay for their horse... I guess I am confused by some of the responses... ???
She asked a question and people gave their opinions. Same as being able to decide where you pay your entry fees or run your horse I guess.
I just dont understand it I guess. I guess I understand people not enjoying being beat but I also dont think its "unfair" for people to enter a good horse at a more local, smaller event. But I guess I was one of them that people werent always nice to due to the horses they rode. I had the privledge of riding nice horses... ones who won big big races (they get all the credit for our success ). However, I showed at a lot of smaller events because I liked to. I also did the bigger shows too (NBHA state finals and barrel bashes ) but I enjoyed the local races and local fun shows. The atmopshere is different but people were sometimes unkindly competitive. I was always ridiculed for riding at those events and people did/said horrible things. I did it because I loved those types of events, not because I wanted to whoop it up at a smaller show.
I just dont understand why it bothers you/anyone... and maybe the "playday" circuit here is much different because it is a pretty hot organization where there are a lot of crossovers from barrels races to these events (lot of the same people do both up here ). I love being challenged at races/events. Some of my favorite days have been when I have brought home lower placings but I also competed against a nice field of horses.
It doesn't bother me to run against the tuffs, I've done it all my life. I said when I was a tuff, I didn't like running against and beating the playday people, who in my area were not tuff. I found no pleasure or sense of accomplishment beating people who were not as well mounted as I was. I believe there were quite a few girls who would have been very competitive had they had nice horses. I was taught by one of the greats that a horse has only so many runs in him and so you don't waste them so that you have that run when you need it.
I am not very good anymore so I will go to play days and when the tuffs show up, it will not bother me. I will strive to improve and become a tuff again.
The OP asked for opinions and I gave mine. I don't expect everyone to agree with my opinion. What a boring place this world would be if we all agreed on everything. |
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 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| I have been thinking about this topic since I read it...
For me, the decision to run has absolutely nothing to do with wanting to whip up on anyone.
It would most likely be for convenience. If there is a playday down the road from my house why travel 3 hours to get to a 4D event? I also work every other weekend so most often my options are limited. There are many reasons why people choose to do what they do. The race is long and in the end it's only with yourself. :) |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 490
| My husband and I have had this conversation recently.
5 years ago, I had my finished mare, and a 4 year old. The 4yr old wasn't seasoned and the finished mare had been battling injuries. So I hauled to a playday series at a local church. My mare is consistent gritty tough and loves to work. She was a 4-5D at best but could win at playdays because it took consistency. I had one girl tell me she hated me and I needed to take my "pro" horse and go home. I laughed and kept coming back. I couldn't believe the attitudes of some people! I ended up partially retiring that mare in 13. I had to get off of her in order to get with my then 6 yr old. She needed seasoning. We struggled for awhile. I was frustrated, hated not hauling my other mare. It was bad. A year ago, after a disappointing year of inconsistencies, hit barrels and flat out getting down on myself, I was ready to quit. In February, a mare came into my life that has been a Godsend. And my whole outlook has changed. Before, I was happy going to playdays, when I didn't have the fastest horses. Now? Nope. I try to avoid them. Why? Because my horses only have so many runs and then they are done. Im not wasting them at little events for a ribbon. The 2 mares I am currently running are nice. I dont always believe it, but people tell me they are. LOL My goals have changed tremendously. I wont enter a show unless there is added money, its BBR approved or its a rodeo. My husband keeps telling me I finally have horses that can take me somewhere. I agree with him most days. Now that being said, if I need to work on a problem I may enter a weekly jackpot. I dont understand the people that run their nice horses at $25 jackpots but it also makes me ride better knowing their there.
Now- if someone better shows up, use it as a way to challenge yourself and ride better. See where your horse runs against some tougher competition. Dont get frustrated, upset or let it bother you. Take every opportunity to better yourself. You cant control what they do. But you can control your reaction to them. Tough lesson for me to learn, but Ive learned it. Its all about attitude. Its anyones game to win on any given day! |
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Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | There are numerous reasons why a person may bring their seasoned horse to a playday….location, giving the horse another event to “play” in (I.E. Poles, Flags, etc), fixing problems with the horse, bringing a horse back from an injury, etc, etc, etc……… IMO, if it bothers you that a barrel racer with a better horse shows up to the “playdays”, you are barrel racing for the WRONG reasons. Yes, it is fun to win but you really need to concentrate on your own runs, how to get better and having fun. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 242
Location: Tennessee | I've spent the last few years in pharmacy school. I've only been able to haul locally to saddle clubs and run due to time constraints and work outside of school. My horses are not in tip top shape and I don't want to pay big entry fees for us to not be on top of our game. Entering saddle clubs allows me to run and have fun with my limited time and money. We usually always take a young horse when we go as well and it's a great way to expose them to all sorts of stuff. I can't wait to have time to ride and get my horses in shape again to go to some actual races, however I'm thankful to have saddle clubs to go to when I can't. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| There's nowhere really "soft" to go to around here - even the playdays are pretty tough. I don't really care who enters but sometimes I do kind of wonder why some people are running their $35,000 + horses at small nickle and dime jackpots consistently. I guess I would rather run where the money is if I had that caliber of horse. |
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Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | Griz - 2015-12-03 10:13 AM
There's nowhere really "soft" to go to around here - even the playdays are pretty tough. I don't really care who enters but sometimes I do kind of wonder why some people are running their $35,000 + horses at small nickle and dime jackpots consistently. I guess I would rather run where the money is if I had that caliber of horse.
That happens everywhere i think...girls run their "rodeo" horses at a 30$ jackpot and win it...but hey it sure looks good on facebook when they say the won such and such by so much.....but they failed to mention there was ony 20 girls....lol.....m |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 754
Location: Arkansas | mruggles - 2015-12-02 11:17 AM
Griz - 2015-12-03 10:13 AM
There's nowhere really "soft" to go to around here - even the playdays are pretty tough. I don't really care who enters but sometimes I do kind of wonder why some people are running their $35,000 + horses at small nickle and dime jackpots consistently. I guess I would rather run where the money is if I had that caliber of horse.
That happens everywhere i think...girls run their "rodeo" horses at a 30$ jackpot and win it...but hey it sure looks good on facebook when they say the won such and such by so much.....but they failed to mention there was ony 20 girls....lol.....m
I've seen jackpots with 20 in them be tougher than jackpots with 100 in them. It all depends on who the 20 are, lol |
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Expert
Posts: 2122
Location: The Great Northwest | Those who have a need to tune at places are some times not even members. Their placings would not change member placings. |
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 ND Sweetheart
Posts: 3471
Location: In My Own Dream Land | kboltwkreations - 2015-12-01 10:30 AM Silly Filly - 2015-12-01 10:19 AM Yeah, it always amazes me that you have to have a $50,000 horse to win a $15 jackpot................................Personally, I wouldn't run a horse of that caliber, but people do it here all the time. ^^^ I totally agree with this. When I see someone outrunning everyone by 6-7 tenths at a 40-50 person jackpot all I can think is WHYYYYYYY???? This is the only thought that comes to my head....
So what happens when a person runs a super green horse at a $40 jackpot and wins the 1d by them selves? Or when they can win the average at 180 entry state finals by 6 tenths? Are they not suppose to run there either?
How do you know they are running a $50k horse?
If a tough girl shows up somewhere, great. Then you know where you really stand.
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Everyone is local somewhere. Some of us do this for fun and may have nice horses they made, but don't have the time or money to travel to the big shows. I see this a lot in my area.
Open shoes are just that- open! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 695
Location: Windoming | tThompson - 2015-12-02 2:20 PM kboltwkreations - 2015-12-01 10:30 AM Silly Filly - 2015-12-01 10:19 AM Yeah, it always amazes me that you have to have a $50,000 horse to win a $15 jackpot................................Personally, I wouldn't run a horse of that caliber, but people do it here all the time. ^^^ I totally agree with this. When I see someone outrunning everyone by 6-7 tenths at a 40-50 person jackpot all I can think is WHYYYYYYY???? This is the only thought that comes to my head....
How do you know they are running a $50k horse?
If a tough girl shows up somewhere, great. Then you know where you really stand.
UM, because I know the horses..........................Plus, you pretty much changed all of the original post, was talking about a $15 jackpot, not a finals or anything else....
Edited by Silly Filly 2015-12-02 3:42 PM
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Location: NE Texas | I'm a year getting back into horses from a long hiatus. I started the year joining a couple of Saddle Clubs for their playdays so that I could get back into the swing of things, meet horse people and season my young mare. While I am doing this I also hit up local Barrel Races and run exhibition and/or even jackpot if it's not too expensive so i now I most likely won't get my money back. ha!
I disagree that Playday grounds are generally bad. 99% of the Playdays I attend also have jackpots and rodeos, etc., now there are some that are less than desirable, especially if your horse is working hard.
Most playdays have several speeds events at a Playday show. Personally, doesn't both me one bit if someone brings their open horse and just spanks everyone's tails. I will take every opportunity to watch and learn from them - that's how I learned to ride as a kid - from watching people I admired and respected. With that said, these open horses are most likely not going to be running in the other speed/agility events - if they do, the riders generally take them slow since they don't know what the heck they are doing so it's doubtful they will "sweep" all events. But if they do, that just gives me a higher bar to shoot for! Make friends with them and get advice on how you can improve, etc. On that flip side of that, I think it gets very boring at Playdays once you've reached a level where you're winning every single show - time to move up or get a project horse! JMHO. |
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| It wouldn't bother me one bit. I started out doing the play day type shows (and still do on occasion if I have a free weekend).
When I started it was intimidating to be around those caliber horses and riders, but looking back they were the people I would watch the most. At the time I didn't consider them role models, but I sure do now. I think any time you have a chance to walk up to the fence and watch someone who you think you might learn something from, you should do it. I am willing to bet they got the same start as most of us - starting out little and growing to be more competitive.
I like going to those kind of shows because they are cheap and good for seasoning and exposing horses. I also don't ever want to feel "too good" to be there. Thats where I startred and that is where I consider my roots - one of my favorite things to remember is not to forget your roots. If I had a 1D horse that could win anywhere I definitely would leave that one at home, because I believe we are only given X amount of runs on them - but I guess as long as they are paying the same entry fees as I, they are entitled to be there.
Edited by WrapN3MN 2015-12-02 3:50 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| tThompson - 2015-12-02 3:20 PM
kboltwkreations - 2015-12-01 10:30 AM Silly Filly - 2015-12-01 10:19 AM Yeah, it always amazes me that you have to have a $50,000 horse to win a $15 jackpot................................Personally, I wouldn't run a horse of that caliber, but people do it here all the time. ^^^ I totally agree with this. When I see someone outrunning everyone by 6-7 tenths at a 40-50 person jackpot all I can think is WHYYYYYYY???? This is the only thought that comes to my head....
How do you know they are running a $50k horse?
If a tough girl shows up somewhere, great. Then you know where you really stand.
Pretty sure I didn't say anything about winning a "state finals" or "180 entry finals" by 6 tenths...that would be PROVING your horse. Im talking about WASTING A RUN at 'joe bobs backyard playday' on your horse that has been there done that, and has the ability to compete at big races. Not green horses, not young colts. And yes I can tell the difference between a seasoned $50K+ horse and not.
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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | RacingTheArabian - 2015-12-01 12:27 PM I really love all the opinions on here about this. I really don't care who wins or loses or if I do. I know my horses aren't ready for the big dogs and thats the only reason I go to the playdays and small things right now, but I plan to next year after getting then ridden and going super well to *hopefully* enter up and start running seriously. The only thing that got to me was how more then a few people who run NBHA, jackpots etc. Would come to these little playdays and blow everyone out of the water. But as others have said it is their right, if they are paying the fee to enter then they have ever right to be there. I just don't understand when you have a horse you know could win. Why would you bring them to a dinky playday or whatever?? If you've got a horse that wins and can run. Its not exactly promoting them or doing them justice bringing the to small things, when you could prove them else where running with the big dogs. A friend of mine used to bring her daughter to playdays and stuff. But once she got in touch with Tana Poppino at a clinic earlier this year. Tana told her it seriously wasn't doing the horse or her daughter any justice and if she wanted to rodeo and play with the big dogs, to actually run with them and not do smaller events.
I think maybe you should take this advice aswell
If your "good" horse is getting good enough to atleast be a 5D horse, why not? You could run the other mare at playdays and the better one in some jackpots. The horse might not be trying as hard because she knows/you know it's not a big deal.
I use to be the same as you and only did playdays. I was very invested in my playday series lol but it took a 20 second pole run to win poles so it was pretty tough. I ran my first 21 at a playday and cried I was so happy but I didn't even get a ribbon for that run. When you're young or just starting sometimes it doesn't make sense. Now that I've been to the biggest races you can go to, I know that some of those "playday" runs that somehow didn't even get me ribbons, were still legit runs. They may not have won the whole thing but that doesn't mean that would have held up in the 2D or 3D or at a high school rodeo. It costs me $30 to enter all the events at a playday, it also costs me $30 to go enter a 5D jackpot where I can possibly win my money back.
I would find some 5D jackpots and try it out, you might like it, and you won't know if you're ready until you try! |
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Posts: 1261
| I started out at the play day level and moved onto jackpot associations. I was intimidated to run my first race, it was a lot of money and I wasn't sure we were good enough. I won a check my first race (in the 4D but a check!). I improved a lot over the year then my mare was injured and never came back from it.
My other horse was a 14.2 H half Arabian that I bought because I just loved her and thought I would play around with gaming and maybe some reining but mostly I just loved her. When she as the only sound horse I had I got a lot more serious about getting her going so I could finish my seasons in the various associations. She turned out to be pretty quick and super fun to ride. I started with play days as well, although to be honest in my area we have pretty legit play days and gaming associations that some of the fastest horses in the state are regularly involved in. I decided I missed jackpots and entered after a few months. I was super intimidated the first race. I was surrounded by horses I knew that have the best bloodlines, had been with the best trainers, more experienced riders and totally dwarfed my horse! I felt like everyone was looking at me like are you really entering that tiny Arab? Lol but she went out there and won the 4D her first time out and the 3D that afternoon. I know we probably will never win the 1D but she can compete at the 4D level! We beat some of those horses that were so intimidating!
My point being you don't know how you will do till you enter and you might surprise yourself! I saved my holiday and birthday cash to enter and have been lucky enough to win enough so far to keep entering. I also still do run in some gaming associations that have good ground and great prizes and some serious competition. I just finished a series where had I had the runs we are capable of and have put down in the past we would have blown the competition out of the water but we didn't have perfect runs every time, we hit barrels and poles at times or rated to hard etc, someone else was more consistent and beat us so faster doesn't mean an automatic win by any means! And I have learned a ton from watching the other better riders and after getting to know them to coach me in my runs and give advice that's been super helpful. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
| outrundaizy - 2015-12-02 10:28 PM
RacingTheArabian - 2015-12-01 12:27 PM I really love all the opinions on here about this. I really don't care who wins or loses or if I do. I know my horses aren't ready for the big dogs and thats the only reason I go to the playdays and small things right now, but I plan to next year after getting then ridden and going super well to *hopefully* enter up and start running seriously. The only thing that got to me was how more then a few people who run NBHA, jackpots etc. Would come to these little playdays and blow everyone out of the water. But as others have said it is their right, if they are paying the fee to enter then they have ever right to be there. I just don't understand when you have a horse you know could win. Why would you bring them to a dinky playday or whatever?? If you've got a horse that wins and can run. Its not exactly promoting them or doing them justice bringing the to small things, when you could prove them else where running with the big dogs. A friend of mine used to bring her daughter to playdays and stuff. But once she got in touch with Tana Poppino at a clinic earlier this year. Tana told her it seriously wasn't doing the horse or her daughter any justice and if she wanted to rodeo and play with the big dogs, to actually run with them and not do smaller events.
I think maybe you should take this advice aswellIf your "good" horse is getting good enough to atleast be a 5D horse, why not? You could run the other mare at playdays and the better one in some jackpots. The horse might not be trying as hard because she knows/you know it's not a big deal.
I use to be the same as you and only did playdays. I was very invested in my playday series lol but it took a 20 second pole run to win poles so it was pretty tough. I ran my first 21 at a playday and cried I was so happy but I didn't even get a ribbon for that run. When you're young or just starting sometimes it doesn't make sense. Now that I've been to the biggest races you can go to, I know that some of those "playday" runs that somehow didn't even get me ribbons, were still legit runs. They may not have won the whole thing but that doesn't mean that would have held up in the 2D or 3D or at a high school rodeo. It costs me $30 to enter all the events at a playday, it also costs me $30 to go enter a 5D jackpot where I can possibly win my money back.
I would find some 5D jackpots and try it out, you might like it, and you won't know if you're ready until you try!
I have a goal. When both start running 17 second barrel patterns then I will enter them up against a bigger crowd. They are both running 18/19 give or take a few nano seconds in difference. I have had a hard time getting them out and about, pretty much all last year I didn't have a vehicle to pull. Then I decided to breed my older mare and she had a filly and I am just getting her legged back up this winter. I want them both finished or darn well close to it by the end of next year.
I like this advice and view about it. Thank you! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
| wishes4kissez - 2015-12-03 3:05 AM
I started out at the play day level and moved onto jackpot associations. I was intimidated to run my first race, it was a lot of money and I wasn't sure we were good enough. I won a check my first race (in the 4D but a check!). I improved a lot over the year then my mare was injured and never came back from it.
My other horse was a 14.2 H half Arabian that I bought because I just loved her and thought I would play around with gaming and maybe some reining but mostly I just loved her. When she as the only sound horse I had I got a lot more serious about getting her going so I could finish my seasons in the various associations. She turned out to be pretty quick and super fun to ride. I started with play days as well, although to be honest in my area we have pretty legit play days and gaming associations that some of the fastest horses in the state are regularly involved in. I decided I missed jackpots and entered after a few months. I was super intimidated the first race. I was surrounded by horses I knew that have the best bloodlines, had been with the best trainers, more experienced riders and totally dwarfed my horse! I felt like everyone was looking at me like are you really entering that tiny Arab? Lol but she went out there and won the 4D her first time out and the 3D that afternoon. I know we probably will never win the 1D but she can compete at the 4D level! We beat some of those horses that were so intimidating!
My point being you don't know how you will do till you enter and you might surprise yourself! I saved my holiday and birthday cash to enter and have been lucky enough to win enough so far to keep entering. I also still do run in some gaming associations that have good ground and great prizes and some serious competition. I just finished a series where had I had the runs we are capable of and have put down in the past we would have blown the competition out of the water but we didn't have perfect runs every time, we hit barrels and poles at times or rated to hard etc, someone else was more consistent and beat us so faster doesn't mean an automatic win by any means! And I have learned a ton from watching the other better riders and after getting to know them to coach me in my runs and give advice that's been super helpful.
I know I get looked at for running my Arabian. But I can't help but laugh because I know when she IS finished, I know she probably wont ever be 1D. But I know she will be competition for people and their Quarter Horses in other divisions. I would really like to join the NBHA down here next year and have a go with that.... I know Arabians aren't exactly go to for barrels, but she hunts them and enjoys it so I like doing it with her lol. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| Southtxponygirl - 2015-12-01 10:38 AM I know some of the playdays have a membership due you have to pay to qualify for the awards, do these runners pay their dues? If not then they are running as a guest and dont get the points at the shows.
Correct. This way guests or people that come just to make a run or season a horse (that may be higher caliber) do not take away year end prizes for the members of the club. :) Which I think is a good idea. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | scwebster - 2015-12-03 12:34 PM Southtxponygirl - 2015-12-01 10:38 AM I know some of the playdays have a membership due you have to pay to qualify for the awards, do these runners pay their dues? If not then they are running as a guest and dont get the points at the shows. Correct. This way guests or people that come just to make a run or season a horse (that may be higher caliber) do not take away year end prizes for the members of the club. :) Which I think is a good idea.
Here I know that there is a few horseshow/playday type shows and you have to pay a membership due to beable to qualify for the year end awards. I have gone to a few to get my horse season at one time are another, I payed for my runs but didnt take away points from anybody.. |
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